The present invention provides a unique polarizing beam splitter (PBS) that is
suitable for use in projection systems and displays. The PBS contains at least
one prism having at least one major surface and having a refractive index of at
least about 1.6 and a birefringent film disposed on the major surface of the prism.
The birefringent film is a multi-layer film having at layers of at least a first
material and a second material. After uniaxial stretching, the film exhibits a
refractive index difference of less than about 0.15 units in the stretched direction.
